Istanbul
Half day in Istanbul with a local
Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours
5.0
(32)
Half day in Istanbul with a local
Vibrant culture, a very Grand Bazaar, and impossible to resist mezze.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Get what you want out of Istanbul on a private and personalized experience
- Enjoy local music, vibrant restaurants, historic neighborhood strolls or simply go for a walk in the streets and take in the diverse ambiance
- Fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Istanbul, getting the best of what the city has to offer in a limited space of time
- Get a taste of what makes Istanbul one of the most popular tourist cities in the world, with a twist – your stories will be authentic and all your own!
- Get the scoop from your host on other areas to explore and exciting things to do whilst visiting Istanbul
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
A private and personalized experience
4 hours with your host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
Think of this personalized experience with one of our local Istanbul hosts like spending the day with a friend. You’ll explore markets and get seriously hooked on haggling, see the enchanting sights and domes Istanbul is so famed for, hop between continents (you know, as we all do with our friends), and stop for a coffee or maybe an ice-cold beer and some mezze.
You could navigate one of the oldest bazaars in the world or wander through the lively Kadıköy district, stroll through lush palace gardens, or do some serious sightseeing. Just tell us what you’re into and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Our hosts can’t wait to share their home city with you, and although half a day isn’t possibly long enough to see all there is in this bustling urban antiquity, we know you’ll embrace it all!
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Tugba_Kurti_Istanbul_BR-1267458343
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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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Mohammed
Jul 2025
We had an amazing time exploring Istanbul with Öztürk. Right from the start, he was warm, friendly, and clearly passionate about his city. He began the tour by showing us a brief history of Türkiye on his iPad, which helped us understand what we’d be seeing throughout the day. He didn’t just guide us—he truly took care of us. Whether it was helping us plan the day’s route or negotiating great prices at the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, or even Hafiz Mustafa, Öztürk was on top of it. He seemed to know everyone! We started calling him “the mayor of Istanbul” because of how connected and respected he was. The highlight for me was our time at Topkapı Palace. The way he explained the palace’s history, especially the Islamic and Ottoman parts, made it feel like he had lived there himself. He brought the stories to life in a way that was both educational and enjoyable. If you want a guide who is knowledgeable, kind, and makes you feel like you’re exploring the city with a friend, I would 100% recommend Öztürk. This tour was a highlight of our trip.
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Michael
Jun 2025
This was the only way to experience the sights of Istanbul. Our guide was Ipek and she was wonderful. She was very knowledgeable and enthralled us with the history of the city. Had a great time and would recommend it to everyone
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Michael
Jun 2025
We enjoyed the historical sites and Ipek was very knowledgeable and engaging in her descriptions of the places
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Hajar
Jun 2025
We booked a tour with Tugba with my 6 year old daughter and Tugba was just amazing, so patient and kind with my daughter, adapted the pace, and we overall had a wonderful experience!
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Hajar
Jun 2025
An amazing experience with my 6 year old daughter. Tugba was such a kind, patient and knowledgeable guide, it was wonderful
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Linda
May 2025
I had a great day with Ipek! She communicated with me via WhatsApp and, since I had arrived early, she began the tour two hours early. She gave me a real feel for Istanbul and its culture on an off-the-beaten-path tour. She was very knowledgeable and we did everything I hoped for and more. She was so friendly and warm that it was like touring Istanbul with a relative. I recommend her very highly.
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